The 1931 Census of Canada
On June 1, 2023, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will release the 1931 Census of Canada to the public. The census was conducted beginning on June 1, 1931, and according to Canadian privacy laws census data cannot be published until 92 years after it was collected. This means that for the first time, we’ll be able to take a detailed look at the over 10.3 million people living in Canada during 1931.
How will the census be released?
LAC previously photographed all census pages and copied them onto microfilm reels. Leading up to the release of the census this year, LAC digitised these reels and created a database of these images. Starting June 1st, users will be able to search these images by district and sub-district. LAC has collaborated with Ancestry and FamilySearch International, utilising AI technology to transcribe the records into a searchable database, which will be accessible later this year. Until the database is released, researchers will need to manually examine the census images to find relevant subjects.
What information will be on the census?
The 1931 Census of Canada contains over 40 fields of information for each individual recorded. Typical information like name, address, gender, date of birth, place of birth, place of parents’ births, race, and language info will be available. Additionally, five new fields have been introduced, including those about unemployment and radio ownership. These new fields offer valuable insights into the labour conditions during the Great Depression, as unemployment-related questions explore reasons for unemployment and duration of unemployment.
How will this help genealogists and family researchers?
This will be the first census to feature the parents of many Canadians over the age of 60, and serves as a link to the grandparents of millennial and Gen X family historians. Canada saw massive waves of immigration and migration following World War I, with many new Canadians landing after the 1921 Census was taken. The 1931 Census was the first to document these immigrants and those who moved within Canada for various labour and settlement initiatives sponsored by Canadian and British governments.
The upcoming release of the 1931 Census of Canada is an exciting opportunity for genealogists and family researchers to explore the lives of Canadian residents during 1931. This valuable resource offers insights into the socio-economic conditions of the Great Depression era and enables individuals to trace their familial connections and uncover the stories of previous generations.
Ready to explore the 1931 Census of Canada with the help of a genealogical researcher? Click here to get started!
Links to further reading:
Preparing the 1931 Census, Library and Archives Canada
“1931 Census of Canada to be released on June 1, 2023,” Library and Archives Canada
Your Guide to the 1931 Census of Canada, FamilyTree Magazine
